Supplemental content for our 2020 Community Report’s “Academic Year In Review”
A letter from Sara Phillips, a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Vancouver, to the Fulcrum Foundation
Dear Fulcrum Foundation,
I am writing to thank you for the generous $3,900 Fulcrum Foundation Educational Leadership Grant. I can’t tell you how excited and grateful I was to find that I had been selected as a recipient of the grant.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Portland in 2004 and have taught over 16 years in a private Catholic school in Vancouver, Washington. In recent years, with my three children becoming more independent, I decided to return to University of Portland for the Preliminary Administrator Licensure Program. I knew that even though University of Portland would be more of a financial strain for my family, continuing in Catholic education would be invaluable to me as I worked toward becoming an effective administrator in a Catholic school.
Throughout the program this year, I’ve been gifted with incredible opportunities: to lead our staff in professional development, help write our strategic plan, and research programs to support student academic success. I’ve felt a great sense of fulfillment as I’ve taken on more leadership roles at my school. I can’t say enough good things about the program! I completed the administrator licensure program last summer and I’m very excited to serve my school and community in an even greater leadership capacity in the future.
By awarding me the Fulcrum Foundation Educational Leadership Grant, you have lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on the most important aspect of school: learning. Your generosity is an inspiration. Your investment in me will affect students for many years to come!
Peace in Christ,
Sara Phillips